Breast Reconstruction
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Hundreds of thousands of women face breast
cancer each and every year, many of whom choose to undergo mastectomy
(breast removal) as part of their treatment. And today, there
are advanced techniques and medical devices that can help women
replace what was lost, not only physically but also mentally.
Surgeons are able to recreate a breast that
is very close to the look and feel of a natural breast. Breast
reconstruction can often be performed at the time of breast removal
so that the patient is able to wake up and see a breast mound
already in place. Some women may elect to postpone reconstructive
surgery while others may not want any reconstruction at all or
may be advised to wait due to other health conditions. There
are many difficult stages following mastectomy and many patients
are not able to clearly weigh all of the options right away while
struggling to cope with their cancer.
When can the surgery be performed?
- Breast Reconstruction can be performed at the same time as
mastectomy. This can be a good time for surgery as breast tissues
are typically unharmed by radiation therapy or scarring.
- A patient’s overall health
is taken into consideration before the decision is made to
perform both mastectomy and breast reconstruction at the same
time.
- It is best to know that the patient’s
cancer, as far as can be determined, has been eliminated by
mastectomy.
The Procedure
- Implants are frequently used in breast reconstruction and
patients can choose to have saline or silicone gel-filled implants
used. The FDA has approved use of silicone implants for those
women who undergo breast reconstruction.
- A two-stage reconstruction is performed on patients whose
skin and chest wall tissues are tight and flat. First, a tissue
expander is implanted beneath the skin and chest muscle. The
surgeon injects a salt-water solution into the expander over
time at regular appointments. Once the skin has been stretched
enough, surgery is again required to remove the expander and
a permanent implant is inserted.
- A tissue flap procedure, an alternative to implants, involves
the use of tissue from your abdomen, back, hip or buttocks for
reconstruction.
- After the breast has had time to heal, patients may have
their nipple and areola reconstructed. Tissue for this procedure
is taken from your body. To create color in the areola, tattooing
can be performed to match the other breast.
How will I look and feel after surgery?
- Expect to feel sore & swollen
for one to two weeks if you have implant reconstruction. Flap
procedures may leave you sore longer.
- You will go home with
surgical drains left in the breasts to help reduce residual
fluid and bleeding that can build up following surgery.
- Medication prescribed by your physician will help minimize
any discomfort.
- You may be discharged with a surgical drain to help eliminate
excess fluids that can build up in the days following surgery.
- Reconstruction will not leave your breasts with the same
feeling you had before your mastectomy. It can take up to two
years for the tissues to completely heal and your scars to become
less noticeable.
When can I get back to my everyday
routine?
- Avoid lifting and strenuous activity for four to six weeks.
- You may return to work after six to eight weeks.
- Reconstruction does not interfere with chemotherapy or radiation
treatment and it does not affect a recurrence of breast cancer.
Results of my surgery
It is important to realize that the goal
with breast reconstruction surgery is to improve your appearance.
Your result will never be perfection but you will still not only
improve your appearance but your self-confidence will be boosted,
as well.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE
- There are risks associated with any surgical
procedure.
- The specific risks
and suitability of each procedure for a given individual can
only be determined at the time of consultation.
- Minor complications that do not affect
the outcome may occasionally occur.
- Major complications are rare.
- Your plastic surgeon will review any and
all risks and benefits with you during a private consultation.
